L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano N e s t l e d i n t h e Molise region o f I t a l y , t h e v i l l a g e o f Sepino is rich in history and natural beau- ty. Its name derives from the Latin word saepum, mean- i n g " e n c l o s u r e , " w h i c h referred to the wooden pal- isade that enclosed the area designated for animals along the ancient tratturi, a sea- sonal migration route for livestock. Sepino's long history is visible everywhere in the vil- lage. Walking through its streets, you can admire the ancient castle, the church of San Nicola di Bari, the ruins of the Roman theater, and the well-preserved arches of the Roman aqueduct. But the most impressive site is undoubtedly the archaeolog- ical area of Saepinum, the ancient Roman town, which still preserves its original urban layout, complete with its walls, towers, and gates. Saepinum was founded by the Samnites in the 6th-5th centuries BC, and it was later conquered by the Romans d u r i n g t h e t h i r d S a m n i t e War in 293 BC. The town flourished under Roman rule and became an important center for trade and com- merce. It was surrounded by walls, towers, and gates, and its streets were lined with shops, public buildings, and private houses. The Roman theater, which could seat up to 2,500 people, was one of the largest in the region. The town declined after t h e f a l l o f t h e W e s t e r n R o m a n E m p i r e a n d w a s abandoned in the 9th centu- ry AD due to the Saracen invasions. It was later rebuilt on a nearby hill and became the medieval village of Sepino, which still exists today. It is dominated by the castle, which was built in the 11th century and served as a defensive stronghold against the invading Normans. The archaeological itiner- ary is closely linked to the naturalistic one, as visitors c a n s t i l l w a l k a l o n g t h e ancient Pescasseroli-Can- dela tratturo. This grassy track has enabled the sea- sonal movement of millions of sheep from the Abruzzo and Molise mountains to the Puglia plains, since the times of the Samnites. Transhu- mance is a culture, a civi- l i z a t i o n t h a t , d u r i n g t h e Aragonese era in the 15th century, was codified accord- ing to the rules imposed by the Regia Dogana di Fog- gia. The area around Sepino is rich in high forests. If you enjoy trekking, you should visit the Pianoro di Sepino, 1 1 k m f r o m t h e t o w n a n d 1320 meters on sea level, to fully appreciate the charm of the surrounding mountains. At the northern border of the municipal territory, there is the largest WWF oasis in Italy, that of Guardiare- gia-Campochiaro, with s p e c t a c u l a r v i e w s a n d a n extraordinary naturalistic heritage. Here you can see wolves, roe deer, wild cats, and many other species. For those who love water sports, the nearby Tammaro River offers opportunities for fish- ing and canoeing, while the Matese mountains present various trekking trails for the most adventurous. There are also horseback riding excur- sions and the possibility of free camping on the plateau of Campitello di Sepino. For t h o s e w h o p r e f e r a m o r e relaxing experience, there are the thermal baths of Sepino in Contrada Pilone, where you can enjoy the therapeutic properties of the waters. Sepino is also famous for its gastronomy, which is based on traditional dishes m a d e w i t h l o c a l p r o d u c t s such as olive oil, wine, cheese, a n d c u r e d m e a t s : t h i n k of caciocavallo, scamorza, manteche, and soppressata, s a l s i c c i a c o n f i n o c c h i e t t o and capocollo. Among the m o s t f a m o u s d i s h e s a r e zuppa di cicerchie (chickpea soup), polenta di castagne (chestnut polenta), and sagne e fagioli (pasta with beans). A l l i n a l l , S e p i n o i s a charming village that man- aged to preserve its ancient history and traditions over the centuries. It offers visitors a unique blend of nature, cul- ture, and gastronomy, making i t a n i d e a l d e s t i n a t i o n f o r those who want to experience authentic Italy. Its location in the heart of Molise, surround- ed by mountains, forests, and r i v e r s , m a k e s i t a p e r f e c t starting point for exploring the region and discovering its hidden treasures. T he Festa della Sensa is a tradi- tional Venetian celebration that t a k e s p l a c e o n t h e S u n d a y f o l l o w i n g t h e Ascension, which is usually in May or early June. The festival commemorates the h i s t o r i c a l a n d s p i r i t u a l i m p o r t a n c e o f V e n i c e a s a m a r i t i m e p o w e r a n d highlights the city's relation- ship with the sea. The event dates back to t h e 9 t h c e n t u r y a n d w a s originally a religious ceremo- ny: the Doge, the leader of t h e V e n e t i a n R e p u b l i c , would board the Bucintoro, a ceremonial boat, and sail out to the Lido to perform the Wedding of the Sea ceremo- ny, which symbolized the maritime power and domin- ion of Venice over the sea. Then, the Doge would throw a gold ring into the water as a sign of the city's union with the sea and its control over it. T o d a y , t h e F e s t a d e l l a Sensa is a colorful and lively event: the day begins with a procession of boats — led of course by the Bucintoro — traveling from Piazza San M a r c o t o t h e L i d o . T h e parade is accompanied by music and cheering crowds, and the boats are decorated with flags and flowers. Once at the Lido, the Wedding of the Sea ceremony is reenact- ed, and a wreath is thrown into the water as a symbol of the city's continued relation- ship with the sea. The cere- mony is followed by a regat- t a , w h i c h i s o n e o f t h e highlights of the festival. During the Festa various e v e n t s a n d a c t i v i t i e s t a k e place throughout the city, from concerts to exhibitions, and food fairs. One of the most popular is the Sagra del Pesce, a seafood festival h e l d o n t h e i s l a n d o f S a n Pietro di Castello. The festi- v a l f e a t u r e s a v a r i e t y o f s e a f o o d d i s h e s , i n c l u d i n g fried fish, seafood risotto, and grilled calamari: if you love fish, that's definitely the place to be! But the Festa is more than a c e l e b r a t i o n o f V e n i c e ' s maritime heritage and good food, it also highlights the city's cultural and artistic tra- d i t i o n s a s s h o w n i n e v e r y edition by the many exhibi- t i o n s a n d p e r f o r m a n c e s showcasing the city's history, art, and architecture. Popu- lar, and certainly in line with the theme of the event, are the exhibitions of traditional Venetian boats and handi- c r a f t s , a s w e l l a s p e r f o r - mances of traditional music and dance. T h i s y e a r ' s e d i t i o n w i l l take place on Sunday, 21st of May. The Venetian flag flies over the lagoon during the Festa della Sensa (Photo: Basphoto/Dreamstime) Sepino's main square (Photo: Giambattista Lazazzera/Dreamstime) Festa della Sensa: celebrating Venice's maritime heritage Sepino: a journey through time in Molise ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES

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